It can often be a time of great vulnerability for a person when they seek the support of a community service. But for Canberrans seeking assistance through Community Options, being queer is not something they need to worry about hiding.

For 30 years, Community Options has been delivering caring and inclusive support to Canberrans at the times they most need it, from infancy to old age. Now every single one of the non-profit’s 44 staff have completed Silver Rainbow training through Canberra’s specialised health and social support service for the LGBTQIA+ community, Meridian.

Community Options offers everything from aged care services to NDIS support, transitional care when leaving hospital, hospice care, and mother and newborn support. And all of it is consistently delivered in a LGBTQIA+ inclusive way.

According to Ken Feint, Community Options’ Intensive Case Manager, it is not uncommon for people to go back in the closet in order to access essential services because they have had bad experiences in the past and have felt judgement from allied health services.

“Community Options often picks up people when they are at their lowest point, they could be suffering dementia or complex mental health issues or just getting out of hospital. But they will be cared for by staff who are properly trained and who truly have inclusivity at their core.”

He noted that one client had felt the need to remove all photos of their same-sex partner before receiving a home visit—a situation which added unnecessary shame and stress.

Brendan Tabar, Director of Client Services, said that as both he and Ken were themselves members of the LGBTQIA+ community, they could reflect the lived experience of the people for whom they care. Other staff come from diverse cultures and the team reflects a high level of diversity.

“We want everyone who has an experience with Community Options to feel that that experience is no different because of their gender, race, colour, age or need. And we want to get the message out to the community, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community who have suffered such discrimination in the past.”

That awareness raising hit a high point at the recent FreshOut Fair Day in Glebe Park when Community Options held a stall to highlight their LGBTQIA+ friendly care. Both Ken and Brendan said it was a day off genuine allyship, inclusivity and fun.

Chief Executive Officer of Meridian, Philippa Moss, said Community Options is an amazing example of an organisation that embraces diversity and practices inclusion.

She noted that the Meridian training provided to all Community Options staff gave them practical guidance on how to provide LGBTQIA+ friendly care.

“Community workers are at the coalface of person-centred care provision across a multitude of sectors. They number in the thousands and are often the first point of contact for vulnerable people seeking assistance.”

She noted that evidence suggests that for LGBTIQA+ people, a negative first contact experience often discourages further assistance, not only from that one provider or worker, but from the that mode of treatment entirely.

“Lived experiences of stigma, discrimination and trauma are very real for LGBTIQA+ people who are vulnerable to a myriad of negative social and health outcomes. Building cultural competency through training and education programs for a community health workforce is vital to ensure that first contact is affirming and welcoming.”